12 Dec 2007
Senator James W. Wright (R-Watertown), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, announced today his intentions to resign at the end of the year. Senator Wright will be joining Fleishman-Hillard Government Relations Inc., serving as a co-chairman providing strategic management. "After thirty-five years of public service, including fifteen years in the State Senate, I am looking forward to new challenges and this is an excellent opportunity. It will enable me to utilize my knowledge and understanding of government combined with my interest in renewable energy policy and project development," said Senator Wright.Fleishmann-Hillard Government Relations is a national bi-partisan government relations firm focused on delivering measurable business value at the intersection of government and business. "I have thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of representing the people of my district for the past fifteen years. I truly believe we were making a difference in the economy of the region and the lives of its people. However, in every career, there comes a time in which new opportunities and new directions become available. I made this decision not considering the politics, but considering personal factors and the best interests of my three children."Senator Wright has achieved recognition throughout his career, both as a professional manager and state legislator, for his work in local government, economic development and energy development.Senator Wright has dedicated his career to public service, having started as a child protective services caseworker in Oswego County. The Senator quickly ascended through the ranks of county government, and in 1979 was appointed as the first County Administrator of Oswego County. He served in that capacity until 1987, when he was then appointed as the first County Administrator of Jefferson County. He was successful in implementing various public safety, environmental, economic development and infrastructure projects in both counties, receiving several honors for his achievements.Senator Wright has been Chairman of the Senate's Committee on Energy and Telecommunications since 1998.As Chairman of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, he has been a key player in the energy arena and has helped navigate New York's progression during the transition to deregulation. Senator Wright was an important member of the conference committee that created Power for Jobs, and he has sponsored legislation to expand and extend the program, most recently in 2007. This program provides incentives in the form of low-cost power for the private sector to retain and create jobs.Senator Wright was a leading advocate for capping the state sales tax on gasoline. He has also been a leading advocate for the reduction of energy taxes, specifically the Gross Receipt Tax, repeal of the Gas Importation Privilege Tax and the Petroleum Business Tax.While serving as Energy Chairman he initiated and sponsored numerous alternative energy initiatives, including legislation for agricultural wind net metering, commercial solar net metering, and tax credits for biofuels development. In the area of energy efficiency initiatives he has sponsored legislation establishing standards for residential and commercial appliances, replacement tires, and light bulbs.Long recognized as an advocate for developing the rural economies of his district, Senator Wright was instrumental in facilitating state funding initiatives for cellulosic fuel research and development ($20 million); construction of a corn-ethanol facility ($4 million); a regional fiber optic network ($7.5 million) improving telecommunications; and the establishment of a new technical services support call center ($15 million) employing over 800 individuals. Senator Wright has enjoyed a strong working relationship with the business community, having been recognized by the Business Council of New York State, the state's leading business organization, for his legislative voting record. For three straight years Senator Wright earned the grade of "A" on the Business Council's legislative "report card." The Council released its first-ever "report card" in 2004, ranking state legislators on a "Vote for Jobs Index." He has achieved the highest score among the state’s legislators each year.Senator Wright graduated from the State University of New York at Oswego in 1971, and attended the Maxwell School of Public Administration at Syracuse University. He was selected for participation in the Local Government Public Administration Internship at Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government Program for Senior Executives, and the United States Army War College National Security Seminar. He has also served as an adjunct faculty member and a private consultant. He was honored in 2000 by Oswego State University with the Lifetime Award of Merit, in 2002 by Jefferson Community College with the Jefferson Citation, in 2007 by Clarkson University with the Bertrand H. Snell Award, and again in 2007 by Oswego State with the Presidential Medal."I am fully confident my decision will not adversely impact the Senate Majority. The district is currently well served and represented by Assembly members Dede Scozzafava and Will Barclay, either of whom would make an excellent senator," said Senator Wright.Senator Wright, who will continue to reside in Watertown, is the father of three children; Alison, Conner and Alec Wright.
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